4. Leaves in large rosette close to ground [5] 4. Leaves needle-like, not in rosettes [6]
5. Leaves sword-shaped yucca [205] 5. Leaves fan-shaped palmetto (rare) [203]
6. Inner bark yellowish brown, berries light blue red cedar [201] 6. Inner bark darker brown, berries larger and darker, purplish mountain cedar (rare) [202]
7. Leaves simple [8] 7. Leaves compound [67]
8. Leaves and twigs alternate [9] 8. Leaves and twigs opposite [54]
Leaves Simple and Alternate
9. Leaves linear (long and narrow) [11] 9. Leaves not linear [10]
10. Leaves smooth and very glossy on both sides, broadly truncate at base, stems flattened cottonwood [207] 10. Leaves not possessing all three characteristics as given in 10 above [12]
11. Leaves usually less than ¾ inch wide, midrib yellowish and prominent on both sides willow [206] 11. Leaves usually more than ¾ inch wide, midrib not yellowish nor prominent on both sides peach [239]
12. Trunks or twigs with thorns or spines [13] 12. Trunks and twigs without thorns or spines [18]